Former Washington quarterback, NFL champion has died
Frank Ryan, the last quarterback to lead the Cleveland Browns to an NFL title, died Monday.
He was 87.
According to reports, his family said he died at a nursing home in Connecticut, where he had been battling Alzheimer’s. His family also reportedly said they have donated his brain to Boston University’s CTE Center for study because they believe that CTE “played a role in the progression of the (Alzheimer’s).”
Ryan had a Pa. connection.
He connected with Pennsylvania legend Gary Collins for three touchdowns in the 1965 title game to help the Browns upset the Baltimore Colts, 27-0.
Ryan also had stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Washington.
He was a three-time Pro Bowl pick, and finished his career with 16,042 passing yards to go with 149 touchdowns and 111 interceptions. He led the league in passing touchdowns in 1964 and 1966.
He was the athletic director at Yale for 10 years following his playing days.
“Our hearts are with the family and friends of Frank Ryan, as we honor the life of a Browns icon and championship-winning quarterback,” the Browns said in a post on social media.
It was the last title the Browns won. The team has never played in a Super Bowl.
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Browns Bring Back Pass-Rusher After Brief Departure
The Cleveland Browns have signed defensive end Sam Kamara to the practice squad, bringing him back less than a week after releasing him.
The Browns announced the signing of Kamara with a series of other moves. The team also released punter Matt Haack and guard Joey Fisher from the practice squad.
Kamara is in his second NFL season out of Stony Brook. Originally signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2021, he has appeared in 10 career games. He has spent most of 2022 and 2023 on the Browns’ practice squad, appearing in one game this season.
There’s a chance Kamara could get a call-up to the active roster this week against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns have nothing at stake for the Week 18 matchup and could rest key starters like Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith.
“We’re working through all those things,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday, January 1. “We’ll have a plan, obviously. We want to finish strong, so we’ll have a plan moving forward, but I’ll update you guys as we get going through the week.”
